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Several years ago, when my wife and I prepared to go on our first cruise, we asked a number of people (many on CruiseCritic) what they suggested we take along.

This included things that we would not want to do without, things that would increase our creature comforts, and also items that we might wish we had, and would regret not taking when we had the chance.

I complied it all into a list. I have attached a copy of that list, but have also posted it below.

I hope you find it useful, and if you have any additional suggestions, please share!

SUGGESTIONS

FOR WHAT NOT TO FORGET TO TAKE WITH YOU ON YOUR CRUISE

CLOTHING, ETC.

Small tote umbrellaExtra pair of prescription glassesLarge metal paper clips for hanging up wet bathing suitsSweater and/ or jacket for cool nights at sea or air conditioned areas that are quite coolOver-the-door shoe holderCheap waterproof watch

A highlighter for the newspaper or PattersBottle openerJiggerSmall cocktail shakerSingle $$ for tips and misc. spendingSewing kitBottle opener (“Church-key”)Guidebooks for your cruise desitnationsSmall roll of duct tapePost-It notes to leave messages for the porter or those traveling with youCork screwAddresses of all those that you want to write postcards and letters to while on your cruise.A small pair of scissorsA bungie cord to hold open the sliding door to the balcony and/or hold the drapes openSmall pair of binocularsEyeglasses repair kitThank you cards to leave for waiters and stewards. (They really appreciate them!)

Some kind of sore throat drops. I had a good selection of OTC meds on our last cruise - except something for a sore throat. So, of course, I got a cold and sore throat - the ships store had 1 kind and they were expensive.

Please remove the "flat iron" from your list. Cruise ships consider them a fire
hazard and will confiscate them if spotted. They will be returned at end of cruise
but, like flame-candles, they are not allowed.

Your list is very thorough. Some items can be crossed off, of course, each person needs to decide for themselves. For instance, we always have a corkscrew packed into our carry on, but can do without the church key.

If those who think they can get by with 90% less than what is listed, pack your suitcases and carry ons, dump them out and make a list, you will be surprised at just how much stuff you have on a list.

A few items were mentioned more than once (over the door shoe holder, disinfectant wipes/spray cleaner, chair clips were listed 3 times). From this list I'd cross off 14 items, plus all the laundry related items. This isn't too bad, I've come across lists on CC before where I crossed off 40 items before getting out of the carry on

But...I probably have other items not listed that I do want to take along. Everyone has their own creature comforts they cannot do without for a week and the list is different for all of us. My suggestion is to go through your daily routine and take that stuff, plus a very small first aid kit, make your own list. Really think about any extra stuff you have to pack, organize, repack and haul home, consider if it is something you cannot do without.

My husband and I have been together over 30 years and have taken many vacations together. We have yet to have any need for duct tape. We rarely have any need for it at home, either. I see it on almost every packing list out there.

Please remove the "flat iron" from your list. Cruise ships consider them a fire
hazard and will confiscate them if spotted. They will be returned at end of cruise
but, like flame-candles, they are not allowed.

........If those who think they can get by with 90% less than what is listed, pack your suitcases and carry ons, dump them out and make a list, you will be surprised at just how much stuff you have on a list.
........

Nope, I still have only 10% of any of these endless packing lists.....even on a B2B.

There are alot of things on the list I wouldn't bring, but it is still a good basic list that anyone can edit for their own use. Like:

Add a few zip-lock bags, sandwich, quart and gallon...gallon for when things are still wet when I need to pack them, quart--liquids that might burst while traveling, sandwich--bringing cookies to cabin for DH late night snack.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone

__________________Majesty of the Seas----August 2003 Carnival Inspiration-----March 2004Norwegian Sun --------December 2007Majesty of the Seas ---August 2008Serenade of the Seas --January 2009Monarch of the Seas ---April 2009Jewel of the Seas ------January 2010Adventure of the Seas--January 2011Freedom of the Seas----January 2012Liberty of the Seas-----November 2012Vision of the Seas------January 2013Serenade of the Seas--November 2013
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Nope, I still have only 10% of any of these endless packing lists.....even on a B2B.

I don't believe that for an instant. Granted we can do without much of the list, but unless you don't take a camera, one cell phone (crazy not to travel without one any longer in case of emergency) a small first aid kit, ID, travel documents of some kind and a few personal items you will have more than 10% of the above list.

I don't believe that for an instant. Granted we can do without much of the list, but unless you don't take a camera, one cell phone (crazy not to travel without one any longer in case of emergency) a small first aid kit, ID, travel documents of some kind and a few personal items you will have more than 10% of the above list.

Believe what you wish but there are so many things on that list that it IS possible. Sorry but I am not going to take the time to count everything on that list and compare. My first aid kit once consisted of 5 band aids which I didn't even take last time.....information desk had them and the first time I needed one. Don't forget that there are also people who take only one carry on.

i personally have been cruising since the 1980's and have never taken most of the stuff on this list. I cruise at least twice a year or more. You are really overthinking the packing. The one time I actually needed duct tape (broken zipper on a suitcase) a simple call to housekeeping brought a man to the door who not only supplied me with duct tape, but help me wrap my suitcase to get it home. Pack lightly and don't schlep all that stuff around. IMHO.. enjoy your cruise.

__________________
I have no cruise control, the damn things book themselves.